Flexible bags, or covers or t-sacks comprising recycled resin alone or in combination with virgin resin

ABSTRACT

A bag or cover comprising a flexible film that is comprised of polyolefin resins. The bag is comprised of PCR or PIR resins wholly or in combination with virgin resins, to maintain adequate mechanical properties for the protection of large or bulky objects during storage or transportation. The bag further comprises an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover. A T-Sack bag is also taught that is comprised of flexible film comprised of polyolefin resins that are comprised of either PCR or PIR resins wholly or in combination with virgin resins to maintain adequate mechanical properties of the T-Sack. The bag further comprises an organic additive to aid in biodegradation of the bag.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present invention is based on provisional patent application No. 62/519,554.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bag or cover used to protect large and/or bulky objects from soilage, moisture and other damage during storage and transport. The bag or cover comprises a flexible material comprising some combination of polyethylene, polypropylene, or another polyolefin plastic which is made using a virgin resin (resin produced directly from raw material feedstocks which have never been used or processed before), PCR (post-consumer recycled−resin resulting from a plant processing plastic products turned in by consumers for recycling), PIR (post-industrial resin−resin resulting from a plant processing scrap/waste resin from the plastic manufacturing process and also known as pre-consumer recycled), or any combination of same. An organic additive can be added to aid in the decomposition of the bag or cover. The invention further relates to a T-sack made using PCR resin, PIR resin, virgin resin, or any combination of the same. An organic additive can be added to aid in the decomposition of the T-sack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art teaches that most bags and covers are made from 100% virgin resin to achieve desired mechanical properties (e.g., tear, puncture, abrasion, fatigue) for use in the transportation, storage, and covering of objects.

Recently, many state governments (e.g California, Oregon, Wisconsin) have begun requiring that certain plastics contain a mandated percentage of re-processed resin. Such legislation recognizes that although recycling does not reduce energy use or emissions to the degree that reuse does, mandating re-processed content sets forces in motion that will replace virgin material with reclaimed resources.

The present invention teaches that certain combinations of virgin and re-processed resins or 100% re-processed resins can be successfully used to create bags covers and T-Shirt bags (commonly known as T-sacks) with thicknesses under 10 ml that provide adequate mechanical properties so that they can be used as it relates to bags and covers, in the transportation, storage and covering of objects, and as it relates to T-Sacks, in the carrying of small objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bag or cover used to protect large and/or bulky objects, including, mattresses, soft home goods and furniture from soilage, moisture and other damage during transport and storage. The bag is made from a flexible film with at least one opening for placing the objects into the carrier. The bag is closed once the objects are placed inside. The cover is made from a flexible film, and is designed to cover such products as upholstery covers, dust covers, liners, and sheeting.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise polyethylene or polypropylene or another polyolefin plastic. It is an object of the present invention for the plastics to comprise a virgin resin, PCR resin, PIR resin or any combination of same in percentages that are strong enough to function as a bag or cover. It is an object of the present invention that the virgin resin, PCR resin and PIR resin further comprise an organic additive that causes the bag or cover to degrade, in places such as a landfill disposal environment, through a series of chemical and biological processes.

It is an object of the present invention for the polyolefin plastic to be HDPE (high density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), or LDPE (low density polyethylene). It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise a combination of polyethylene, polypropylene, or another polyolefin plastic and an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of said bag or cover.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise between 0% and 50% post-industrial polyolefin resin. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise between 0% and 50% post-consumer polyolefin resin. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise up to 30% post-industrial polyolefin resin, and up to 70% virgin polyolefin resin. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise up to 80% post-consumer polyolefin resin, and up to 20% virgin polyolefin resin. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise 100% post-consumer recycled resin content. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to comprise 100% post-industrial recycled resin content. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be transparent. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be translucent. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be opaque. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to have color.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to have printing in the form of advertising. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be printed with color or black and white graphics.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag to be sealed at one end.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be approximately 0.5 mil to 10.0 mil in thickness per side.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover size to be approximately 24 to 130 inches in width, 8 to 30 inches in height, and 36 to 130 inches in length.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be treated with an antimicrobial and/or antifungal agent. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be untreated with an antimicrobial and/or antifungal properties.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to transport and store soft goods such as mattresses, pillows, blankets, linens, comforters, clothes, and coats. It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to transport and store large objects such as furniture.

It is an object of the present invention for the items that are stored in the bag or under the cover not to get moist or musty.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be used to cover, transport, store and keep dry objects for storage inside places such as a basement, shed, garage, or other location.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to cover, transport and protect objects against dirt, debris, mold, insects, stains, and liquids during transport and storage.

It is an object of the present invention for the bag or cover to be used to protect baby cradles or other types of furniture stored in places such as attics, basements, or other storage areas.

It is an object of the present invention to further comprise a T-Shirt bag, commonly known as a T-sack. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sack to hold, carry, or store small objects. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sacks to be approximately 0.45-5.0 millimeters in thickness. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sacks to be approximately 0.85-3.0 millimeters in thickness. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sacks to comprise approximately 20% PIR resin and 80% virgin resin. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sack to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the T-Sack.

It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sacks to comprise approximately 100% PIR resin. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sack to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the T-Sack. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sacks to comprise approximately 80% PIR resin and 20% PCR resin. It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sack to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover.

It is an object of the present invention for the T-Sacks to comprise approximately 20% PCR resin and 80% virgin resin. It is an object of the present invention for the T-sack to further comprise an organic additive to aid in the biodegradation of the bag or cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an empty mattress bag 10 made according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the mattress bag 10 of FIG. 1 having a mattress 12.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a cover 20 made according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the cover 20 of FIG. 3 covering a sofa 22.

FIG. 5 shows a T-Sack 30.

In an embodiment, a 2 millimeter thick mattress bag comprises approximately 20% PIR resin and 80% virgin resin.

In a further embodiment, 1.0 millimeter and 2.25 millimeter thick T-Sacks were made of 100% PIR resin.

In a further embodiment, 1.0 millimeter and 2.25 millimeter thick T-Sacks were made with approximately 20% PCR resin and approximately 80% PIR resin.

In a further embodiment, 2.25 millimeter thick T-Sacks were made with approximately 20% PCR resin and 80% virgin resin.

In a further embodiment, 2 millimeter thick mattress bags were made using approximately 25% to 30% PIR resin, approximately 70% to 75% virgin resin, and approximately 3% of an organic additive that causes the mattress bag to biodegrade through a series of chemical and biological processes in a landfill environment. 

1. A bag or cover used to transport and store or cover objects comprising: said bag or cover comprised of a flexible film; said flexible film comprised of polyolefin resins; said bag or cover comprised of PCR, or PIR resins.
 2. The bag or cover of claim 1 further comprising an organic additive that causes biodegradation of said bag or cover in a landfill environment.
 3. The bag or cover of claim 1 further comprising virgin resin.
 4. The bag of claim 1 further comprising at least one opening for placing one or more objects into said bag.
 5. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a device for closing said bag once objects are placed inside.
 6. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said polyolefin resins comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, or any combination of same.
 7. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover comprises a maximum of approximately 30% post-industrial polyethylene resin.
 8. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover comprises a maximum of approximately 25% post-consumer polyethylene resin.
 9. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover is transparent.
 10. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover is translucent.
 11. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover is opaque.
 12. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover has one or more colors.
 13. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover comprises printing in form of advertising.
 14. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover comprises printing with color graphics.
 15. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover is used to cover, transport, store and keep dry said objects for storage inside a basement, shed, garage, or other location.
 16. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover covers, transports and protects said objects against dirt, debris, mold, Insects, stains, and liquids during transport and storage.
 17. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover is sealed at one end.
 18. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said flexible film has a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters.
 19. The bag or cover of claim 1 wherein said bag or cover size is approximately 24 to 130 inches in width, 8 to 30 inches in height, and 36 to 130 inches in length.
 20. The bag or cover of dam 1 wherein said bag or cover further comprises an antimicrobial and/or antifungal agent to protect the contents of said bag or cover.
 21. A T-Sack bag comprising: a bag comprised of flexible film; said bag comprised of polyolefin resin; said bag comprised of PCR resin, PIR resin or a combination of same.
 22. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 further comprising virgin resin.
 23. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 wherein said bag comprises up to approximately 20% PCR resin.
 24. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 wherein said bag comprises 100% PIR resin.
 25. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 wherein said bag comprises approximately 80% PIR resin and 20% PCR resin.
 26. The T-Sack of claim 22 wherein said bag comprises approximately 20% PCR resin and 80% virgin resin.
 27. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 further comprising an organic additive that causes biodegradation of said bag in an environment such as a landfill.
 28. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 wherein said bag is approximately 0.45-5.0 millimeters in thickness.
 29. The T-Sack bag of claim 22 wherein said bag is approximately 0.85-3.0 millimeters in thickness. 